Late XJ40 Vs X300 - opinions?
Discussion
Hi all, looking for some advice.
I've been looking for an X300 for a few months now and I haven't been able to find any decent ones (well I did find a lovely example, black with cream 2 owners and FSH, agreed to pay the asking price, arranged insurance, arranged to pick it up and the vendor changed his mind! GGrrr) Anyway, given the dearth of good X300s locally I'm considering a late XJ40 as an alternative.
Now, I know these are likely to have more problems with rust, but if I find a good one then what do you all think as an alternative to an X300?
Worth considering or am I mad and should I just be patient and keep looking?
I'm not really in a hurry - I wanted one before the worst of the winter arrived, so that I could potter around in it instead of the TVR, but now we're into Feb there's not the same urgency.
I've been looking for an X300 for a few months now and I haven't been able to find any decent ones (well I did find a lovely example, black with cream 2 owners and FSH, agreed to pay the asking price, arranged insurance, arranged to pick it up and the vendor changed his mind! GGrrr) Anyway, given the dearth of good X300s locally I'm considering a late XJ40 as an alternative.
Now, I know these are likely to have more problems with rust, but if I find a good one then what do you all think as an alternative to an X300?
Worth considering or am I mad and should I just be patient and keep looking?
I'm not really in a hurry - I wanted one before the worst of the winter arrived, so that I could potter around in it instead of the TVR, but now we're into Feb there's not the same urgency.
4 mins and a reply already!
I've noticed previous comments about how good the ride is. That's the important bit really. I'd prefer a 4.0 and preferably a well-specced model but really what I want most is something quiet and comfy. Part of my route to work is over a very bad surface and the roads seem to be getting worse everywhere, which is becoming a pain in the Chimaera - so a good ride is the key, so I'd compromise on engine and spec.
I've noticed previous comments about how good the ride is. That's the important bit really. I'd prefer a 4.0 and preferably a well-specced model but really what I want most is something quiet and comfy. Part of my route to work is over a very bad surface and the roads seem to be getting worse everywhere, which is becoming a pain in the Chimaera - so a good ride is the key, so I'd compromise on engine and spec.
I just acquired a 1995 Vanden Plas yesterday and it's a beautiful car. It's my third Jaguar, my second LWB sedan. I had looked for one for a couple of months and finally found this one with just under 67K miles on it with one previous owner and am very pleased with it so far. The ride is wonderful, the room very spacious and it's hard to beat on the road.
Groomi
As you say, a late 4.0 Sovereign would probably be the very thing - just like the one on your profile before your XJR.
There's a 3.2 Sport not too far away from me that sounds good from the ad; 1994, 118k, in Morocco Red "no expense spared", "much admired", JEC member etc etc. Have to say I'm attracted by the colour, a very dark red.
Have you any experience of the ride quality of a Sport Vs other models - is there any difference?
As you say, a late 4.0 Sovereign would probably be the very thing - just like the one on your profile before your XJR.
There's a 3.2 Sport not too far away from me that sounds good from the ad; 1994, 118k, in Morocco Red "no expense spared", "much admired", JEC member etc etc. Have to say I'm attracted by the colour, a very dark red.
Have you any experience of the ride quality of a Sport Vs other models - is there any difference?
mccrackenj said:
...Have you any experience of the ride quality of a Sport Vs other models - is there any difference?
Not of the XJ40 variety, no. But the X300/X308 Sports have similar ride characteristics to the XJR models - ie. very good for the level of performance, but not particularly amazing and nothing like an XJ40.
groomi said:
mccrackenj said:
...Have you any experience of the ride quality of a Sport Vs other models - is there any difference?
Not of the XJ40 variety, no. But the X300/X308 Sports have similar ride characteristics to the XJR models - ie. very good for the level of performance, but not particularly amazing and nothing like an XJ40.
I tested a X300 XJR before I bought my 3.2 Sport (well the salesman was keen for me to try so it would have been rude not to
) and I found the ride in the Sport to be much better than the XJR but it's still beautifully controlled.
Have not got info on spring/damper rates but subjectivly I'd say the difference between sport and touring suspension ride quality has got bigger with the newer XJ models.
Could be as the newer XJ shell is more ridgid than the older X300, Jaguar could fit higher rate springs without too much body shake
My XJ 8 has the sports suspension pack with 17" alloys, and my previous X300 had touring suspension with 16" alloys.
I drove several examples of both before I bought, and didn't notice much difference in suspension set up with the X300s but found the XJ8 examples gave a noticably softer or harder ride even on a short test drive.
IMHO I think the XJ8 sports suspension is too hard for the rubbish roads we have in the UK, the low speed ride on poor surfaces in particurlar is very bumpy and the car crashes in and out of potholes. There's also a significantly greater level of tyre noise.
On the plus side 'tho, handling is really good.
Ya pays ya money and takes ya choice
JS
Could be as the newer XJ shell is more ridgid than the older X300, Jaguar could fit higher rate springs without too much body shake
My XJ 8 has the sports suspension pack with 17" alloys, and my previous X300 had touring suspension with 16" alloys.
I drove several examples of both before I bought, and didn't notice much difference in suspension set up with the X300s but found the XJ8 examples gave a noticably softer or harder ride even on a short test drive.
IMHO I think the XJ8 sports suspension is too hard for the rubbish roads we have in the UK, the low speed ride on poor surfaces in particurlar is very bumpy and the car crashes in and out of potholes. There's also a significantly greater level of tyre noise.
On the plus side 'tho, handling is really good.
Ya pays ya money and takes ya choice
JS
For the money, I would opt for a late XJ40 compared to a similar priced early X300 (only my opinion).
However, how ruddy cheap are some jags?
www.pistonheads.com/sales/124215.htm
However, how ruddy cheap are some jags?
www.pistonheads.com/sales/124215.htm
Thanks everybody for your opinions & advice so far. I've been looking for an X300 for a few months now and all I can find are 3.2s, of which at least 90% are Sports, I've only seen 3 4.0s, all 3 of which were Sports.
Northern Ireland may be a small place in terms of population, but I can't believe it's so hard to find a 4.0 Sovereign, Executive or standard XJ6, in a nice dark colour (why are thy all silver or pale blue?) with sensible sized wheels. 2 of the 3 4.0 Sports I've seen had 18" wheels with very low profile tyres.
Based on the advice on this thread and on other threads I think I'll hold out for a 4.0 as the insurance & fuel costs won't be much different. Looks like I'll have to compromise on the both the colour and model though.
Northern Ireland may be a small place in terms of population, but I can't believe it's so hard to find a 4.0 Sovereign, Executive or standard XJ6, in a nice dark colour (why are thy all silver or pale blue?) with sensible sized wheels. 2 of the 3 4.0 Sports I've seen had 18" wheels with very low profile tyres.
Based on the advice on this thread and on other threads I think I'll hold out for a 4.0 as the insurance & fuel costs won't be much different. Looks like I'll have to compromise on the both the colour and model though.
I'd choose the X300 over the 40, mainly for the better corrosion protection.
If you have a limited choice of cars where you are had you thought about converting a sport suspension model to touring. If I remember, it's only a matter of changing springs and shocks on the X300. Eurojag could probrably help with second hand springs (quoted me £75 for a set when I asked) A car of X300s age would probrably benefit from new shocks anyway, and all the spring compressors you need can be hired from the Jaguar Enthusiasts' club. Best to change the front wishbone bushes at the same time.
I'm going to convert my XJ 8 when I get time.
JS
If you have a limited choice of cars where you are had you thought about converting a sport suspension model to touring. If I remember, it's only a matter of changing springs and shocks on the X300. Eurojag could probrably help with second hand springs (quoted me £75 for a set when I asked) A car of X300s age would probrably benefit from new shocks anyway, and all the spring compressors you need can be hired from the Jaguar Enthusiasts' club. Best to change the front wishbone bushes at the same time.
I'm going to convert my XJ 8 when I get time.
JS
I've had a '90 XJ40 Sov for 3 years and I love it. Have replaced the shox, but really all the suspension rubbers need replacing. And the exhaust. Trouble with the XJ40 now is that they are all 100k miles at least and low value. Parts are not cheap. Bodywork anti-corrosion treatment was good at the time but 15 years of British road-salt has taken its' toll. Pity, really, as I've had other cars in much worse condition and have restored them, but it's just not worth it when you can get a good 95/96 X300 Sov for £3k
I'm definitely going for an X300 Sov next. Don't consider the 3.2. You need those cc's.
I'm definitely going for an X300 Sov next. Don't consider the 3.2. You need those cc's.
jaguar steve said:
Oh yes, my 3.2 auto was a bit sluggish. 4.0 would have been better. Check out Wyn Thomas website if you want all the numbers
The 3.2 isn't exactly slow and it's probably smoother than the 4.0. The extra torque of the bigger model would be nice though. The 4 is also supposed to be a little more economical in practice. I guess you use less revs in practice.
Sorry, didn't mean the 3.2 was slow, but the 4.0 has more torque, which makes a difference on long hill climbs and with 4 passengers. I think the gearing on the 4.0 is slightly higher too which would help improve fuel consumption.
IMHO the main thing really with this age of car is to ignore book value, colour or spec and just buy the best one you can find.
The AJ 6/16 engines and gearboxes in the XJ 40 and X300 are virtually bombproof, and although not as quiet, smooth or powerful at the same capacity V8s in the later X308, will go on forever if looked after.
Incidentally, over 50k miles with 3.2 versions of 6 and 8cyl cars I got slghtly better average fuel consumption with the 6cyl.
IMHO the main thing really with this age of car is to ignore book value, colour or spec and just buy the best one you can find.
The AJ 6/16 engines and gearboxes in the XJ 40 and X300 are virtually bombproof, and although not as quiet, smooth or powerful at the same capacity V8s in the later X308, will go on forever if looked after.
Incidentally, over 50k miles with 3.2 versions of 6 and 8cyl cars I got slghtly better average fuel consumption with the 6cyl.
jaguar steve said:
Sorry, didn't mean the 3.2 was slow, but the 4.0 has more torque, which makes a difference on long hill climbs and with 4 passengers. I think the gearing on the 4.0 is slightly higher too which would help improve fuel consumption.
IMHO the main thing really with this age of car is to ignore book value, colour or spec and just buy the best one you can find.
The AJ 6/16 engines and gearboxes in the XJ 40 and X300 are virtually bombproof, and although not as quiet, smooth or powerful at the same capacity V8s in the later X308, will go on forever if looked after.
Incidentally, over 50k miles with 3.2 versions of 6 and 8cyl cars I got slghtly better average fuel consumption with the 6cyl.
IMHO the main thing really with this age of car is to ignore book value, colour or spec and just buy the best one you can find.
The AJ 6/16 engines and gearboxes in the XJ 40 and X300 are virtually bombproof, and although not as quiet, smooth or powerful at the same capacity V8s in the later X308, will go on forever if looked after.
Incidentally, over 50k miles with 3.2 versions of 6 and 8cyl cars I got slghtly better average fuel consumption with the 6cyl.
The gear box on the X300s is another difference between the 3.2 and 4.0 version. The 3.2 gets a mechanical auto box where as it's big brother gets a better electronic box.
I would say that the auto box in my 3.2 is probably the least good major component with the car. It's not bad by any means but it's not as smooth as the rest of the car. Certainly it's not in the same league as the box in the other halves MB, which has the box that Jaguar used on the 4.0 supercharged V8s (not 4.2 ones I know).
having ran xj40's for 10 yrs, they get my vote every time. if you want something with lots of spec - try a 4ltr daimler, that is the top of the range, loads more than a top spec sov. if you want class and performance(that would and has upset lots of exspensive fast cars!) look for a chassure twin turbo. the 4tr straight six is bullit proof motor i've seen a 150,00 miler with the head off - with no wear on the bores. parts are generally silly cheap and easy to sorce.
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